Clinton Tuck, "Keep Hope Alive"

You wouldn't think a guy who has had two strokes would have much hope, but Clinton Tuck not only has hope, he is excited about his life. (See the link at the end of this story to read more about Clinton's journey). Last week, during my visit to Shady Lawn Nursing Home, Clinton asked if I would take him with me to Trigg Manor Nursing Home to participate in their weekly prayer service. So yesterday, as I was preparing to pick him up, I thought that as long as he was going to come with me, he might as well be given the opportunity to talk to the residents and share the love of Christ with them. I know that Clinton loves Jesus and loves to encourage others.

It's not easy for Clinton to get around. I pulled around to the back of Shady Lawn Nursing Home to pick him up. He refused any help from me choosing instead to push himself forward with his left arm and left leg. I watched as he plodded along in his wheel chair. His right side is mostly paralyzed, so it takes a great deal of effort for him to get from his room to the exit ramp at the back of the building (approximately seventy-five feet). He rolled his wheelchair alongside of the front passenger door of my 1998 Toyota Camry, then I helped steady him as he lifted himself up from the wheelchair. He held onto the front door of the car while I packed the wheelchair in the trunk. Thankfully, it collapses almost like an umbrella and easily fits in. Even though the front seat of my Camry was pushed all the way back as far as it would go, I still had to help him lift and twist his legs to get them into the car.  

Trigg Manor Nursing Home is only a few miles from Shady Lawn and when we arrived there, we went through the same procedure, only in reverse, to get Clinton out of the car and into his wheelchair. I don't know that Clinton will ever get use to his struggles, but he certainly isn't a complainer.

Every Thursday we meet for prayer. All the residents at Trigg Manor are invited. On the last Thursday of the month, we also have a Bible Study. After our prayer time,  Clinton spoke to about twenty residents. Here is a summary of what he said:

 

I had two strokes but I didn't give up hope. We need to keep hope alive. God supplies all our needs. I was on a feeding tube, I couldn't walk-it was God who brought me where I am today. I am so thankful. We need to be thankful. We all have so much to be thankful for. We are so blessed. God loves everybody. Tell people about God and don't be ashamed of Him. Tell people about how He loves you. We all have a different story to share. Your story is different than mine.

Take one day at a time. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. We need to start with our children. How many of you have children? We have to leave them an example. It starts in the home. You can't blame the principal.  We need Jesus.

I am so thankful that I met Clinton Tuck. He is an inspiration to me. Sometimes it takes great hardship and suffering to recognize that all we really need in life is right before our eyes. Don't let another day pass before you come to this realization. Take what my friend Clinton says to heart. And be reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18 NKJV).

http://brotherjoeradosti.blogspot.com/2010/10/message-from-clinton.html

A Message From Clinton

No it's not Bill, it's Clinton Tuck, my friend who is a resident at Shady Lawn Nursing/Rehabilitation Facility. Clinton has a message that he shared with me and he wants me to share it with you. He asks that you would also share his message with everyone you know.

Clinton is a proud veteran of the United States Army. Not long ago he was going about his business working as an armed guard in Nashville, Tennessee. His doctor told him he needed to stop smoking and drinking. Clinton asked, “Are you crazy?” and then proceeded to totally ignore his doctor's warning.

It wasn't long after his doctor's admonition that Clinton had a stroke. He recovered completely and resumed his normal activities, which included smoking and drinking heavily. Clinton was an expert in the use of profanity. He says he even patented a few choice words.

About five years ago, Clinton suffered his second stroke. He didn't have any recollection of what occurred and thought he had an asthma attack. He knew something was seriously wrong after he regained consciousness and wasn't able to speak or move the right side of his body. Days and weeks went by. Clinton was moved from the VA Hospital in Nashville to a rehabilitation facility in Paducah, Kentucky to another rehabilitation home in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and finally to Shady Lawn Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Facility. He prayed, “God please let me speak again and I will speak of your goodness continually.” God intervened for Clinton and he began to speak again. Shortly thereafter he started walking. Although still partially paralyzed and mostly confined to a bed and wheelchair, he occasionally manages to get around with the use of a cane.

Clinton is now able to see the world from a different perspective. He relies on others to help him with his daily needs. He says, “God lives and he can see the future. Why should I complain. Instead of complaining, I count the blessings that God has given me.” He has a new found strength he didn't have before he became disabled. The same strength that Jesus told the apostle Paul about when Paul asked God to heal him of his infirmities and Jesus said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). He knows where that power and strength come from; his complete and total reliance upon Jesus Christ.

Clinton isn't looking for pity. He wanders throughout the nursing facility encouraging the other residents. He tells them, “Don't give up hope.” He says, “So many of these people are dropped off here and get few or no visitors afterward. I go around trying to encourage them.” Clinton is most often found with a great big smile on his face.

If you are ever feeling depressed or discouraged because of the circumstances in your life, just think about Clinton. Better yet, if you are really hurting, give him a call or stop by and visit him. Chances are he will make you feel much better.